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Hendersonville High School Alumni Association HALL OF FAME

Download Nomination Form

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2010 HHSAA HALL OF FAME.  THE FINAL DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTAL IS NOW APRIL 15, 2010.

In 1999, the Hendersonville High School Alumni Association established an HHS Hall of Fame to recognize HHS alumni, administrators and friends each year who have continued the Bearcat tradition of excellence beyond their association with HHS. Each year nominations are received and evaluated by the HHSAA nominating and selections committees. Inductees are recognized as part of the homecoming festivities at a special reception and ceremony before and during the game.

We need and depend on your help to nominate candidates each year for consideration. Once a person is nominated they will remain in the nomination pool for 5 years. Any questions regarding the Hall of Fame can be e-mailed to a board member or directed to the address below.
Nominations or questions may be sent directly to:

Greg Pace
Chairman, Hall of Fame Committee
Hendersonville High School
311 8th Ave West
Hendersonville, NC, 28791

Following are the rules governing selections to the Hall of Fame, designed to enhance the chances of selection of a candidate for induction. Please remember when nominating an individual that while you or I, or perhaps his contemporaries might know him/her well, we must have documentation justifying the selection to a total stranger who might peruse the material twenty or more years from now. Nominations must be received by April 15th, 2010, since the committees will begin meeting on or about May 1st.

Criteria for Submission
The following items are criteria that are to be considered by the nominations and selections committees in choosing individuals for the HHSAAHOF. Over the years, as the files for individual candidates are compiled, certain types of information have been beneficial in the nomination and selection process. Though there are many deserving candidates, the more complete files are the ones that will obviously get the most attention, as the documentation is there for all to see and peruse. Though there may be other items that are pertinent for individual files, these are some of the items that the committees have found most valuable:


1. Early family history
2. HHS or 9th Ave. School history, background, achievements
3. Post secondary education
4. Career
5. Current family data (could be a part of early family history and combined as a personal biography)
6. Community and civic contributions
7. Service organizations and civic memberships
8. Professional organizations
9. Newspaper clippings and public notices of accomplishments
10. Copies of awards documents
11. Offices held
12. Letters from individuals
13. Lists of publications
14. Photographs

(The above was formulated by the Selections Committee as a guide to persons making nominations May 1, 2002)

2009 Inductees

Geraldine Hensley - Miss Hensley served as a teacher and coach at Hendersonville High School for over 20 years.  During this time she taught health, physical education, civics and was the first woman in the state of North Carolina to instruct driver’s education.  In addition to her teaching duties, Ms. Hensley also served as head women’s basketball coach and sponsor of the varsity cheerleaders.  Her dedication to her students resulted in inspiring all those who were lucky enough to sit in her classroom.

 

Hillard Staton   - Mr. Staton graduated from Hendersonville High School in 1948. During his high school career he served as President of the senior class and editor of the Laureate. After graduation, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.  Staton went on to serve in the United States Marine Corp, where he served as a captain during the Korean War.  He began work with Merrill Lynch in 1955 and worked there for the next 38 years until his retirement.  Since moving back to Hendersonville North Carolina he has served as a reserve officer for the Henderson County Sheriff’s office and continues to serve the citizens of Henderson County.

 

Grace Gaillard – Lifelong resident of Henderson County and graduate of Hendersonville High School, Grace Gaillard is known and loved by many.  After graduating high school she worked at Cal’s Home and Auto Supply from 1955-1971.  She began working for the Hendersonville City School System in 1971 where she was known as an activist for teachers. She retired from the Henderson County Public Schools in 1997.  Miss Gaillard is an avid participant in our community and served 20 years on the Apple Festival Board.  She is one of three people who has been asked to serve as a lifetime member of the Hendersonville High School Alumni Association.  Her dedication to Hendersonville High School can still be seen on a daily basis on the campus of HHS.

 

C.E. Buster Livingston - C.E. Buster Livingston was a successful businessman in Hendersonville, North Carolina.  He owned and operated the Union Bus Terminal and Patton Vending Company.  Mr. Livingston served on the Hendersonville City School Board for 9 years and was instrumental in assisting with the integration of the school systems during the civil rights movement.  His dedication to secure the best for Hendersonville High School enabled him to secure the funds to open Dietz Field and install the first outdoor lighting system in our area.  He hired the high school’s first athletic director and helped the school to establish the first campus track in Western North Carolina.

 

Richard Waters - During his high school career at Hendersonville High School, Richard Waters began working at WHKP as a disc jockey.  He created a 10:00 pm show known to local teenagers as “Starlight Serenade”.  From then on his communication skills began a way of life for Mr. Waters.  He continued to serve his school as the Public Service Announcer for the Bearcat Football Program.  After a military tour in the army where he served as a broadcaster in both New York and Germany, Mr. Waters returned to Hendersonville and resumed his work with WHKP.  From that time on he has worked to keep the graduates of HHS informed and connected.  Mr. Waters is a dedicated and respected member of the Bearcat Family.

2008 Inductees

James F. Laughter, Jr. - Coach Laughter taught at Hendersonville High School, Hendersonville Middle School and Bruce Drysdale. He inspired many students who played athletics for him to excel beyond their own expectations and find success beyond athletics. His dedication to his profession and the many students he coached and taught over the years has enriched the Bearcat family.

Jeffery Miller 1972 - Jeff comes from a long line of relatives who graduated from Hendersonville High School. After graduating from Appalachian State University, Jeff returned to Hendersonville and his family’s business, Miller’s Laundry and Cleaning, Inc., which he now owns and operates.  Although Jeff has a very long and distinguished history of community involvement, he is perhaps most recognized for his founding efforts of Honor Air, a program that strives to take World War II veterans to Washington, DC at no expense to them to see the WWII Memorial. Jeff is also a husband, father and is certainly an asset to our community.   

Candy Priest 1968 - Candy has spent 29 years in public education as both a teacher in the classroom and an administrator. Her community work is extensive, including Special Olympics and numerous civic activities. Candy’s dedication to her profession and her community are in the best Bearcat tradition of giving back to the community.

Ethelyn (Lynn) Roberts 1944 - Mrs. Roberts returned to HHS in 1969 where she had a distinguished career teaching English, working with the Drama Department, and actively participating in many areas of the high school outside the classroom. Her love of theatre has spanned her lifetime and among many other achievements is a charter member of the Hendersonville Little Theatre. 

Harry Swofford- Mr. Swofford taught math at HHS from 1953 to 1972. He is remembered by many students as a demanding, inspiring teacher who instilled a work ethic that went beyond the study of mathematics. His rigorous lessons and classroom decorum set a high standard for the pursuit of any academic path of study.

Wendy Wilkins 1983 - Wendy was a Bearcat through and through, joining her mother, father, brothers and sister as Hendersonville High graduates. After graduating from the University of Miami (Florida), Ms. Wilkins taught drama and music and pursued her acting career. She performed in Disney World and was a well known actor at the Flat Rock Playhouse. Wendy was also a wife and a loving mother of three children. Although Wendy passed away in 1999, she continues to inspire those who knew her and remember her for her energy and passion.

2007 Inductees

Walter Allman - Mr. Allman was the custodian at HHS from 1944 until his retirement in 1977. Walter not only took pride in HHS as if it were his own, but also extended his care and devotion to the many people he saw pass through its doors.

Steve Carlisle 1965 - Steve continues a distinguished career in acting that has spanned movies, television and theatre. He has been a regular performer at the Flat Rock Playhouse for many years. In addition he continues to act and work in the Honors College at Western Carolina University.

Arthur V. "Art" Cooley 1952 - After graduating from college and finishing a tour of duty in the Army, Art began a career in broadcasting that has spanned almost 50 years. Today he is President and General Manager of WHKP-AM in Hendersonville. In addition, Mr. Cooley is a member of the NC Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Richard Morris 1936 - After serving in the infantry in World War II and graduating from college, Richard had a distinguished career in sports writing building from his days at HHS writing for the Red and White. Mr. Morris was also the official scorer for the Asheville Tourists baseball team for over 32 years. In 1992, the press box at McCormick Field was named for him.

Ronnie Pepper 1974 - Using his degree in Early Childhood Education, Ronnie has spent his career working and nurturing children. He is currently director of the Henderson County Head Start Centers. Mr. Pepper was the winner of Scholastic Magazine\\'s 2003 Early Childhood Professional Award. Ronnie is an award winning story teller and very involved in church and community activities.

Beverly Russell - Ms. Russell was an english teacher and sponsor of the Red and White for many years at HHS. An accomplished poet and writer herself, Beverly has inspired many students to pursue their own careers in creative writing. Her short story, "Helium Baloon", won a 1977 Appalachian Regional Writer Award.

2006 Inductees

Patricia Orr Mebane 1951 - A long time favorite and much loved performer at Flat Rock playhouse. Pat married newsman Bill Mebane (Asheville Citizen Times), raised three children and served with distinction for over 25 years as a nationally recognized Hospital Public Relations Director for St. Joseph\\'s Hospital and the Sister\\'s of Mercy in Asheville, N.C.    

Alexander Walter "Alex" Houston 1950 - Alex and his sidekick "Elmer" have made a name for themselves as one of the leading ventriloquist acts in the country, with a career spanning more than 50 years. Still active, they perform regularly at Branson,
Missouri
and other entertainment venues.

David W. Cooley 1948 - Dave has made a career in the field of Journalism and Chamber of Commerce Management. He is one of the outstanding Chamber of Commerce Directors in this country in the 20th century. He has served as director in
Greer, S.C., Hendersonville, N.C., Greenville, S.C., Jacksonville, FL, Memphis TN, Dallas, TX
and for four years as president of American Chamber of Commerce Executives. Retired since 1995, he is still active worldwide as a consultant and guest speaker.

2005 Inductees

James F. “Jim” Brinkley ’56 - A standout athlete at HHS (All State in football 2 Years). Participating in five sports, he attended The Citadel on a football scholarship before serving in the Air Force. Jim continued a business career in automotive service and management, and for 30+ years he has raced cars in several categories with outstanding records. He has continued a life interest in sports as a youth mentor.

Phillip E. Brintnall - Much respected and loved teacher and coach at HHS from 1965 for 30+ years. He taught biology and coached tennis, track, basketball and football. He succeeded Joe Hunt as head football coach upon Coach Hunt’s retirement. He reigned over a perennial football powerhouse until his departure in 1993.

Laura Ann Evans Corn - Although not a graduate of HHS, Laura has been one of the most avid fans and supporters for many years. She is married to an HHS graduate and her children attended HHS. She has been affectionately known as “Mama Bearcat” by hundreds of HHS students.

Abram Jones “Abe” Cox ’63 - An outstanding student and athlete for four years at HHS, Abe earned a BS in English from
Duke University
. This was followed by a doctorate from the Candler School of Theology at Emory. His life in the ministry of his church was highlighted not so much in the pulpit as by his work with the downtrodden, the drug addicted and the Blackfoot Tribe of American Indians in Heart Butte, Montana.

Raymond Robert “Bob” Freeman ’29 - Long-time owner/operator of Freeman’s News Stand. A dedicated supporter of HHS and civic activist, for many years he was know as “Mr. Republican.”

Ridley R. Kessler ’56 - Our initial second generation inductee, Ridley followed his mother into the field of Library Science and his accomplishments and contributions have been international in scope.

Clifton J. Shipman - A local businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Cliff has been in the forefront of business enterprises in Hendersonville since the mid ‘40\\\\\\\\\\\'s, with every endeavor successful. He has been an avid supporter of HHS as well as many other civic and community affairs.

2004 Inductees

Robert N. “Rob” Brown - Track coach and esteemed history teacher at HHS during the 1960’s. His track and cross country teams won multiple state championships and helped to establish HHS’s position as a perennial winner in all major and minor sports.

W. Edward Hammond ’53 - An internationally recognized authority in the field of medical informatics and biomedical engineering. He published over 120 articles and has pretty much set the standards in the field of computerized medical record keeping.

Joseph H. Nanney ’48 - A dedicated Educator who has served with distinction as president of three colleges. His life has been dedicated to the improvement of the educational opportunities in
North Carolina
.

William Merrill “Bill” Shepherd ’30 - Well respected, successful local businessman who earned many local and regional honors in his profession as a mortician. He served leadership roles in civic and church affairs and was a long time member of the Hendersonville School Board.

James M. “Jim” Stokes ’53 - Director of Band program at HHS 1968-88. He served with distinction and directed his students to enviable achievements, both individually and as an organization. Jim garnered many awards for his band and himself on local, state, and national levels. Since his retirement from teaching, he has continued to be an active leader in community musical endeavors.

Loren Wells ’60 - A former standout athlete at HHS and scholarship starting center for the
University of North Carolina, he returned home from military service in Vietnam and, from a small beginning in the basement of his parents home, developed a highly successful business with outlets in thirty states. A behind the scenes leader and philanthropist.

2003 Inductees

Michael Loy Sinclair ’59 - PhD, a professor of history at Wake Forest University whose specialty is oriental history. He is a recognized authority especially in Chinese history and has published many papers in this field.

Janice Dellinger Taylor ’57 - a dearly beloved classmate who overcame diversity in the form of childhood polio to add meaning to the higher virtues of life for her many classmates, her family and friends.

Charles Byrd - a former teacher, coach, and principal at HHS who later served as Superintendent of Hendersonville City Schools and presided over the consolidation of city and county schools and as interim Superintendent of the combined system.

Edmund Waldrop ’31 - a businessman who as a long time civic leader in his community of Greenville, North Carolina. He served for many years on the school board and many other leadership roles.

Marvin Smith - a former HHS teacher who went on to Director of Instruction of City Schools and vocational Director of City schools. He was instrumental in providing the vocational building at HHS and establishment of the related programs. He also served as director of the
Regional Education Center
.

W. Ronald Moffitt - M. D. ’69, a local physician who was a leader in sports and academic spheres during his high school days at HHS. He has continued his leadership roles in local civic affairs and has served as HHS team physician since 1990.

Julian Helms - Director of band and chorus at HHS from 1937 to 1942, when he was called to active duty as a reserve officer in the US Army during WWII. He was the Music Man for Hendersonville, taking a group of kids who didn’t know one end of a horn from another and forging a band program which won regional, state and national acclaim throughout his tenure. He established a band program which has never looked back.
2002 Inductees

Jonathan W. Jackson ‘29
Special Supreme Court Judge

Mary Valentine Mims
Academic – HHS Teacher - Home Economics

Thomas Lee Osborne, Jr. ‘52
Special – Businessman – Civic Leader

William V. “Bill” Powers ‘38
Special – Police Chief – Civic Leader – HHS Supporter

Thomas Gilmore Proctor ‘52
Academic – Professor Mathematics, Clemson University

Eleanor Henry Reim ‘49
Academic – HHS Teacher – Drama and Chorus

George W. “Booker” Turner ‘37
Sports – HHS Football – Georgia Military Academy
Furman University

William J. Waddell ‘47
Academic – M.D. Professor Pharmacology & Toxicology
Louisville Medical School
2001 Inductees

Jane Bryant Block ‘59
Civic ABS – Civic Leader – Realtor – Zoo Volunteer

Hannah Edwards
Academic – HHS Teacher, Business

James T. Fain III ‘67
ABS – NC Secretary of Commerce

Samuel “Sam” Gash ‘87
Sports – HHS Football, Penn State, NFL

W. Miller Goss ‘59
ABS – Astronomer – Dir. National Observatory

Sandra Royall Greene ‘57
ABS – Artist & Teacher

Cecil Shepherd Kessler ‘25
Academic – HHS Teacher, Librarian

Rev. James H. Sullivan
Special – Minister, Civic Leader

Earl H. Martin
Academic – Director HHS Band 1952-68

Chicora Westmoreland
Academic – English Teacher HHS

Robert Flynn Orr ‘64
ABS – Assoc Justice NC Supreme Court

Samuel “Sammy” Williams ‘37
Old Timer – Merchant, Civic Leader, Humanitarian
2000 Inductees

Joseph “Jody” Barber ‘42 George “Yogi” Poteet ‘58 Robert “Bob” Elliott ‘57
ABS – Businessman Sports – Basketball Sports – Football
And Civic Leader HHS & UNC-CH HHS & UNC-CH

J. D. “Dan” Waddell ‘38 Sanford “Sandy” Levinson ’58
John R. Marable
ABS – Businessman & Academic – Educator Special – 9th Avenue
Civic Leader Professor of Law U Texas Teacher Principal Coach

Donald H. Keith ‘67 Thomas L. “Tom” Wilson
Fred W. Roper ‘56
ABS – Archeologist Academic – HHS Teacher Academic – Teacher &
Explorer & Professor Coach & Principal Professor Library Science

Leslie K. “Pop” Singley James E. “Jim” Pardue Boyce A. Whitmire ‘17
Special HHS Teacher & Sports – HHS Teacher & Coach Old Timer - Local
Principal 1927-42 Baseball & Basketball Attorney & Civic Leader
1999 Inductees

Christine McCorkle Croft \\'36
Academic - HHS English Teacher

John Charles Morrow \\'41
Academic - Professor & Provost UNC-CH

Joe Thomas Hunt
Sports - HHS Football Coach

William A. "Bill" Lampley \\'37
Special - HHS Team Physician 1953-90

Frank W. Ewbank \\'32
Special - Businessman and Civic Leader

Thomas "Tom" Orr \\'57
Academic - HHS Drama & English Teacher

Hugh Randall
Special - HHS Principal, City School Supt.

Benjamin F. "B" Sims \\'40
Special - "Mr. Bearcat"
Civic and Church Leader
HHS Supporter

George Wilkins \\'41
Academic - Teacher and Principal
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